Tottenham Hotspur have found themselves lingering in the bottom half of the Premier League table this season under Ange Postecoglou, with results falling well below expectations. However, one of the few silver linings for fans has been the increased game time for young players. With a growing injury list impacting many of the club’s senior figures, Ange has turned to academy products and emerging talents to help carry the load—giving the next generation a real chance to shine.
Among those eager to step up is Jamie Donley, currently on loan but hoping to break into the first team next season. The 20-year-old forward recently celebrated a major personal milestone by making his international debut for Northern Ireland, and he’s keen to carry that momentum back to North London. With Postecoglou showing a willingness to trust youth, Donley will be aiming to make an instant impact and stake his claim for a regular spot in the senior squad next season.
Son Heung-min is a skipper who leads from the front through his actions.
Son, now widely regarded as a Premier League legend, has long been considered one of the world’s elite wingers—a player many would dream to share the pitch with. For Djed Spence, a natural right-back, training alongside Son has provided a valuable learning experience. Regularly going up against the South Korean’s blistering pace and technical brilliance has helped Spence refine his defensive awareness and one-on-one ability.
Son’s commitment to maintaining peak physical condition and his relentless intensity in training sessions have pushed Spence to elevate his game, contributing significantly to the young Englishman’s development. It’s a mentorship dynamic that could prove crucial in helping Spence reach the next level at Tottenham.
Spence has a deep understanding of Heung-min Son’s qualities as a player, leader, and character at Tottenham. He revealed on [_Rio Ferdinand Presents_](https://youtu.be/rZwvtuAk4TI) that Son leads by example, setting high standards with his work ethic in training rather than relying on vocal leadership. According to Spence, Son isn’t the type to shout or call out teammates but instead inspires through his dedication and commitment on the pitch.
> “I mean, depends on what you want from your captain, like you say, he’s not your typical…shouting and stuff and digging people out. I feel like, he’s more like, lead by example, you know.”
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> “In early every day, does the right things and just sets the example on the pitch, trains hard every day and when it comes to matchday, he gives his best so I think just numbers speak for themselves and in that regard, shows the example like that.”
Son’s unwavering work ethic, even as Tottenham’s second all-time leading goal scorer, continues to serve as a source of inspiration for Djed Spence and the rest of the squad. Earlier this season, Son vowed to take on a greater leadership role amid the club’s turbulent campaign, and his dedication behind the scenes proves he’s living up to that promise. Whether it’s through his tireless training, mentoring of younger players, or setting the tone with his professionalism, Son has become the heartbeat of this Tottenham side.
In a season marked by inconsistency and transition, there is no better leader in the dressing room than the South Korean. Tottenham must do everything in their power to keep him at the club for years to come, not just for his goals, but for his character, influence, and the culture he helps instill at N17.